LIVE
...

Follow us on

Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

News

Lucas Leiva heaps praise on Liverpool star Pedro Chirivella after win over Everton

Will Butcher
Will Butcher

Curtis Jones earned plenty of plaudits and rightly so after the youngster curled in a stunning effort from outside the area as a youthful Liverpool side beat Everton’s best 1-0 – but Lucas Leiva has reserved praise for another of Liverpool’s young guns.

Jones, 18, was just one of a number of young players to start for Liverpool in the FA Cup third-round clash at Anfield. Neco Williams, Nat Phillips, Pedro Chirivella, Harvey Elliot and Jones all started – while Yasser Larouci and Rhian Brewster came on.

With Everton probably having the better chances but Liverpool’s young stars dominating possession and territory, Jones took the game by the scruff of the neck and curled in a sensational effort from the best part of 25 yards.

It was hardly a surprise that Jones found the top corner from there, with the youngster starring for Liverpool’s Under-19 and Under-23 sides this season. He has certainly done similar in the UEFA Youth League against Napoli.

But Lazio star Leiva – who spent a decade at Anfield between 2007 and 2017 – chose not to praise Jones, but another player who operated in a similar position to the Brazilian himself. He showered plaudits on midfielder Chirivella.

Perhaps understated somewhat, the 22-year-old is set to leave Liverpool in the summer with his contract expiring. He is a lot older than the likes of Jones, Elliott and Williams – but has only played nine times for Liverpool’s senior side.

Disappointing loan spells in the Netherlands before failing to make a single outing for Spanish side Extremadura on loan last season due to registration rules summed up his career so far. But on Sunday, he was excellent – and Leiva recognised that.

TBR’s view – His last Liverpool outing?

On Sunday’s showing, a new contract should be on the table for Chirivella immediately – and the same can be said about Adam Lallana. Both players dominated Everton’s midfield and were excellent from start to finish.

The fourth round of the FA Cup will take place on the weekend of Saturday, 25th January. But given Chirivella’s contract expires in the summer, his display may see interested parties look to sign him this month.

It could be the Chirivella has played his last game for Liverpool – but Jurgen Klopp has got to offer him a new deal.

(Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)